Sunday, December 25, 2022

Nadolig Llawen 2022

 

Went for a wonderful Crimbo walk this morning with Gill to work up an appetite for dinner. Nadolig Llawen! 

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Newham Labour Group "Thank you" Xmas do

 

It was great to attend this very pleasant social last Saturday in Royal Docks community centre. Very pleased to win the first ticket of the raffle and get a "tea for two" at House of Commons with Sir Stephen Timms MP! 

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Support London Ambulance Service (and other NHS Strikes)


It was an honour to attend this LAS picket line in West Ham on behalf of Greater London UNISON Regional Council officer. This is a live operational picket line (pickets may be called to go out on a "life or limb" call at any time so must ensure no delay or anyone joining the picket possibly injured) so please use social media to show solidarity. #PutNHSpayright. The strike continues until midnight. 

Update: I came back this evening and just missed this great photo



Sunday, December 18, 2022

"Newham Voices" Support meeting 17.12.22

Yesterday I went to Stratford Library to attend this meeting, celebrating 2 years of "Newham Voices" but also a call to arms for local residents, organisations and businesses to get involved and support it for the next 2 years and beyond. 

I missed the beginning (and other speakers including the Newham Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz) but was impressed that around 50 people, had over the course of the meeting, turned up the weekend before Christmas to talk about how to promote this important independent community voice. 

"Newham Voices" needs more sponsors, advertisers, subscribers and most important, more volunteers prepared to give up a little bit of time to support the project. There is fantastic support and training offered to volunteers. 

Check out for free the latest monthly edition here and how to subscribe, advertise and volunteer. 

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Winter Dawn in Wanstead Flats

 

This picture was taken during a run around Wanstead Flats on Thursday. It was very cold but I had on multiple layers, tights, hat and gloves as well as running shoes with studs because of the ice. A great way to start the day but I had to drag myself out of bed to do it. It was lovely but roll on Winter Solstice on Wednesday. 

Friday, December 16, 2022

The West Ham 3 John's go for a Bulgarian

 

Picture of a semi outdoor meal at the relatively new Rodina restaurant in Stratford High Street on Tuesday evening. I was with former Newham Councillor (and Chair of Local Authority Pension Fund Forum) John Saunders and my West Ham Ward Councillor colleague, John Whitworth. 

It was an excellent meal, good service and appears very authentic. I had keto version of Bulgarian mixed grill (Bez Kartofi) with a green side salad instead of chips. John S had Beef tongue in butter and grilled vegetables. While John W had Chicken Gondola. 

John S and I especially enjoyed the "homemade Rakia" at the end of the meal while John W gave in to his sweet tooth with pancakes, chocolate and cream. 

It was nice to meet up with old comrades and enjoy a different meal (while putting the world to rights). 

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

"Military housing: Families say they're living in damp, mouldy conditions" Will Gove tell Wallace to Resign?

 

Check out on this daming BBC report and pictures on the dreadful conditions that so many of our military families live in. 

While I am broadly supportive of the often justifiable criticisms that Secretary State, Michael Gove has made of social housing providers, who fail to deal with damp, will he now tell Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace to resign, after this appalling report? 

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Getting ready for UNISON NHS strikes - 21.12.22

 

Picture from yesterday in Wanstead flats, East London, after the heaviest snowfall for many years alongside a potential picket, who will be supporting the UNISON NHS strike next week (Wednesday 21 December) against massive real term pay cuts for our health workers. 

Monday, December 12, 2022

"Newham Voices needs your support. Come and join us 10 am Saturday, December 17th, at Stratford Library"

 

"Newham Voices needs your support. Come and join us 10 am Saturday, December 17th, at Stratford Library

For more than two years Newham Voices has been successfully providing community news and information for the people of Newham, but now we need your help! 

Now your community newspaper is working on plans to continue printed publication into 2023 and  we have organised an urgent meeting for friends and supporters on Saturday December 17th at Stratford Library at 10am.

We will celebrate our achievements and present awards to those who have completed our community journalism training course. We will also discuss what we need to do to continue our good work. 

We need your help to continue our work giving voice to residents and supporting Newham's vibrant community and voluntary sector. The Mayor has said she will try to join the meeting.

Newham is Britain’s most diverse and dynamic Borough, built on solidarity, compassion and creativity. It is a model for the future of London and needs an independent and democratic voice to speak up for people in the Borough

Join us on Saturday (refreshments will be provided) and help us shape a sustainable future for your community voice! 

See you there!

Aidan White

Publisher

info@newhamvoices.co.uk

(I am planning to be there)

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) Annual Conference 2022: Day 1

 

Last week I went to the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) Annual 3 day Conference in Bournemouth. I have been one of the Joint Vice Chairs for the past 3 years and an active participant in LAPFF both as a trade union pension rep and a Councillor for many years. 

LAPFF is the leading voice for Local Authority Pension Funds in the UK and its members assets exceed £350 Billion.  

There were Councillors, Council officers, trade union reps, fund managers, advisors and guest speakers from all over the UK and even the world. Some joined virtually while most were present in person. 

On day one, the Chair of LAPFF, Cllr McMurdo, formally opened conference and the first presentation was by a representative of  French energy giant Total on its recent (welcome) withdrawal from  Myanmar. 

The conference is held under what is called "Chatham House" rules which means that you should not repeat what is said without the permission of the speaker. I have reached out to the speaker since I am genuinely interested on the reasons why Total did not decide to pull out in the past (also see picture in collage) during previous horrible military dictatorships and repression. It would be good to understand why now and what actually changed their mind?

Next was a powerful presentation on the recent visit to Brazil by LAPFF to the local communities who had suffered grave loss of life and devastation following the apparently negligent collapse of  the so called Tailings Dams

There was a virtual video with a community leader from Brazil (name withheld due to fears for their safety) and from a concerned Brazilian investor. The Chair of Vale (the 5th largest Mining Company in the world) actually came in person to conference and also spoke to us. 

It is more than a pity that some large mining companies have failed to engage with LAPFF on this very important matter. 

Friday, December 09, 2022

UNISON Housing Association Branch Executive Xmas Polish Dinner

After a few very busy days at the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) Conference in Bournemouth (which I will post further on) I came back to London to meet up with colleagues from my UNISON branch executive for a my first ever Polish meal at https://mamuska.net/ in Waterloo. 

Most of us had the traditional polish set meal for 2 which was very good value, tasty and filling (definitely not keto). Despite one of the tables collapsing during the meal, it was an very enjoyable experience and many thanks to our branch secretary Chris (sitting next to me) and our Chair Joseph (sitting next to Chris) and the wider executive for all their hard work during the past 12 months. 


 

Tuesday, December 06, 2022

Nazeing Common walk


Off message but on Sunday Gill and I went for a 5 mile circular walk around Nazeing Common in Essex. Only 30 minutes drive from East London (not great for public transport), we have done several versions of this walk but this one was taken from the Ordnance Survey (OS) app supplied by Country Walking magazine (no route instructions, map only).

It was quite a dull and cold day but it was great to get out of London, stretch your legs and fill your lungs with fresh country air. An easy walk with a little bit of up and down to get your pulse working. Highlights of walk was coming across a herd of deer in a wood, who ran off but remained within sight while we had hot drinks and snacks. 

Near the marvellously named "Bumbles Green", we were amazed at spotting tractors hauling trailers full of parents and and small kids to go and pick, then get chopped down, Christmas Trees. On the trailers, they all had to sit on bales of hay, which looked most unsafe but must have been great fun for the kids.

As normal, we saw very few other people apart from the Crimbo tree brigade and the occasional dog walker. Walking through Nazeing golf club was a little dodgy since the path was not clear but the golfers were patient with us. 

Didn't go for beer at end of walk since we had get to supermarket to pick up a decent Sunday Roast (Forerib) before it closed. 

Check out other pictures of walk (not that exciting since overcast) on Facebook here

Monday, December 05, 2022

Plaistow West and Canning Town East canvass 3.12.22

 

On Saturday after my surgery I joined the new Councillor team at the also new ward of Plaistow West and Canning Town East. We were joined by our Greater London Assembly member, Unmesh Desai. 

On the whole a fairly positive canvass. Lots and lots of case work (mostly housing repairs). Unmesh and I would knock on a door and ask the resident if they wanted to speak to one of their local Councillors about any issues and if they said yes, we would grab the nearest Councillor, then move on to the next door. 

Most of us were using the Labour Party mobile telephone app "Doorstep".  Names and addresses to visit are downloaded to your phone and you can input and upload any information in real time. It is much better than the old paper based system but I find it is liable to crash and freeze from time to time (but the data seems to be not lost). Probably my phone at fault.

I had a fascinating chat with one resident about the religious symbols on her front door (see top of collage next to xmas wreath - another religious symbol of course) who explained they were about bringing blessings to the local community. 

Cllr Simon Rush asked one resident what he would like to see politically and was told "get rid of this Tory government". Agreed!

I was surprised to find door numbers in one terrace street jumped from 28 to 36? While I asked the resident why this was? I was told "The Luftwaffe"( it had been bombed during the war and less homes were built to replace those destroyed).

Interestly I came across, yet again, a number of residents who had previously been identified as Conservatives or "Against Labour", who now said they would vote Labour in a future election and the only people who said they wouldn't, were those who said they don't vote in elections. We need to find ways to win these non voters over. 

After the canvass we had a quick drink at the Black Lion, then I cycled back home for a late Keto Brunch. 



Sunday, December 04, 2022

My last West Ham Councillor surgery at Stratford Library?

On Saturday morning I had what I hoped to be my last Councillor surgery in the Newham Council Archives and Local Studies in Stratford Library. The staff at the library have been lovely but we (including my fellow ward Councillors John Whitworth and Charlene McLean) are hoping to return to our original base at the Vicarage Lane Community centre which is inside our ward. 

For various repair, covid, safety and staffing issues we have been displaced to Stratford Library. But very soon we hope to be able to offer a local Councillor surgery service every Saturday 10-11am in Vicarage Lane (apart from Bank holiday weekends)

The photo collage was from the Archives room and during quiet moments during the last few years I have spent some time looking at the fascinating books and historical resources on display. While I knew of our collection of paintings by Madge Gill I never knew that Newham Council had a prized collection of luxury locally produced porcelain 

Saturday, December 03, 2022

Nearly one million UK workers suffering from Work Related stress, depression or anxiety - 11% rise

 

Check out this article in the IOSH website about the 11% rise in work related stress reported by the Health & Safety Executive in their annual report. Very worrying for employers and unions. The HSE believe that nearly half of these workers believe this is linked to the Covid pandemic, while 123,000 believe that their occupational ill health was caused by catching Covid at work (which I believe happened to me last year but luckily I haven't suffered any long term effects).

I also remember many reports during the pandemic on the massive underreporting by many employers of workers killed by exposure to Covid while at work.

The cost of ill health and injuries at work is estimated to cost the UK a staggering £18.3 billion (pre pandemic). I continue also to shocked by the 13,000 workers who died from work related diseases (nevermind the 123 workers killed in accidents - this figure does not include all those who died at work in traffic accidents). 

That means around 36 workers die every day from work related ill health. If terrorists killed 36 people in a single day, we would quite rightly be outraged and "demand something be done".

I will be bringing up this finding on work related stress with my employer as a trade union appointed safety rep and also will see if I can find out more about what is happening to Newham workers as a Councillor on our health scrutiny committee.




Thursday, December 01, 2022

Clarion UNISON AGM 2022 - Re-elected as National Convenor

I was really pleased to be re-elected (unopposed) this evening as the UNISON National Convenor at our AGM which was held in person at our London Bridge HQ and virtually on msn teams. Our most active steward, Joseph Ogundemuren, was also elected to the new position of Deputy Convenor and elections of UNISON reps to Staff Council were affirmed. 

Many thanks to National Secretary for UNISON Community Service Group (Housing Associations and Charities), Gavin Edwards, for being our guest speaker and letting us know about "the state we're in" regarding Housing Associations and most importantly, his advice on the forthcoming pay negotiations, amidst the cost of living crisis. There was a lively debate during the Q&A. 

We will be holding consultation meetings for all staff on the pay rise claim in Clarion and regular surgeries.

While attendance at the AGM was not great considering the size of our membership, we had members from Manchester, Birmingham, Greater London, Norfolk and Kent participating. 

There was lots and lots of fantastic ideas and suggestions about building the union and making it even more relevant to members. So watch this space. In our sector we definitely live in interesting times...

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

11th Anniversary of UNISON National Pension Strike 2011

Facebook reminded me this morning that it is the 11th anniversary of the 2011 successful strike action to protect public sector pensions (Facebook immediately lost any thanks for this memory for refusing to allow me to share, since they thought my post of that day was "spam" but nevermind). 

This was a really important day and without a shadow of doubt, this successful, well organised and well supported action forced the government to back down and has protected pensions rights ever since. In fact, in a recent pension training I attended, we were told that 99% of local government staff had actually benefited from the changes to the scheme brought about after the strike action.  Not only that but currently the vast majority of Council pensions funds are now more or less, fully funded. No financial deficits. A significant improvement since 2011. 

Remember that the government wanted to get rid of traditional (defined benefit) public sector schemes on the grounds that they were somehow "unaffordable". I feel so sorry for workers in private sector defined benefit schemes, who were effectively "cheated" out of a decent pension and given this same excuse. 

The day itself started early with branch picket lines in East London (with some jiving to pass the time and keep warm) followed by a TUC lead march through central London followed by a rally. https://www.johnslabourblog.org/2011/11/unison-housing-association-pension.html

I was really pleased to hear today that UNISON Health workers have voted to go on strike https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2022/11/boost-nhs-pay-to-prevent-pre-christmas-strikes/ after another well organised and thoughtful campaign. I wish them solidarity (and good luck!). I will be joining them on the picket line. 

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Last weeks Keto (low carb diet) highlights

 

I have been on a Keto (low carb) diet since June and so far it has worked (I have lost 23 pounds with 6 more to go). I have been exercising as well and cheating massively from time to time. I know it is not great to exclude a major food group from any diet but so far this has worked for me with no apparent side effects. 

Top meal of the week was a keto full english at Pellicci's in Bethnal Green (apparently the Kray's favourite cafe). Next was Skinny Chicken, beef burgers, bacon, cheese and salad at Spoons. Pork chops, gravy & broccoli at home. Skinny Sirloin and salad at Spoons (lots of evening meetings at Stratford and East Ham Town Hall which currently have spoons nearby). Tuna, salmon & avocado mixed salad. All yum.


Sunday, November 27, 2022

West Ham Labour canvass & remembering V2 Nazi Rocket attack (Solidarity with Ukraine)

 

Yesterday I helped organise a Labour campaign session in the ward that I represent as a Councillor in Newham, West Ham with my colleague Cllr John Whitworth. It was great that we had a number of Party  members joining us including Plastow Councillor, John Morris, (so there was 3 John's on the team) local party members and also Jordan, a UNISON Labour Link activist from Camden.

During the canvass we stopped off to honour (see picture) the roundabout in what is now called Marriott Road, which I believe is the impact site of a German Nazi V2 Rocket attack on 1 Feb 1945. 

See an account of the carnage at this site below:-

"In the early hours of 1st February 1945 at 3:03 am, Hitler’s last weapon of terror, a V-2 Rocket, left a trail of death and destruction on the sleeping street. An unmanned, guided, ballistic missile that had a maximum speed of 3440 mph, flying at an altitude of 52-60 miles, and carrying a warhead of 2150lbs of high explosives dropped without warning onto the sleeping Barnby Street, at up to four times the speed of sound. The ultra-high-speed descent meant that no sound was heard by those about to be hit. The effects of the resulting explosion were catastrophic, the explosion and subsequent sonic boom were heard all over London.

On that cold winters night, in just a few short seconds 29 people lost their lives and 15 others were seriously injured. Houses were totally destroyed and the surrounding streets were severely bomb blasted"

A local resident told us that when she moved into her home right next to the roundabout she was told by the housing officer that this was the site of a mass grave of the dead. I told her that I didn't think that this was strictly accurate. 

Marriott Road is also named after a local firefighter who was killed during the blitz. We must do something to remember him and the dead 29 civilians by the next anniversary on 1 Feb 2023. 

After the canvass we went for coffee (and brunch for some) in the Sawmill cafe in West Ham Lane, which is run by a local Ukrainian family. While enjoying my brunch, I will admit that I felt what happened to Eastenders in 1945 must be similar to the experience of so many Ukrainians in 2022. 

Both victims of vile Nazi aggression. That picture of devastation and death in the collage is the same as so many modern day pictures in Ukraine. 

Solidarity to Ukraine in their fight against Putin fascism!

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Sign up for TUC Pensions Conference 2023

I have just booked a place. Usually an excellent pension conference for trade unionists. Not sure why on St David's Day? Hope they have Cawl for lunch!

"Sign up for TUC Pensions Conference 2023

Congress Centre, London | 09:30 to 16:30 |1 March 2023

Registrations are now open for the TUC Pension Conference 2023. This event is intended for trade union members and officials, pension fund trustees, and anyone with an interest in pensions policy.

The conference will explore how workers’ pensions can be protected from the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and recession.

Join us at Congress Centre in central London to hear from a range of expert speakers, including shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Ashworth".

Register for your place here 

Thursday, November 24, 2022

A Stratford & West Ham Champion for women and children - Newham Voices Dec 22


 Another great local newspaper edition from Newham Voices.  This article celebrates amazing two women (one very local) who made a difference in local politics and in art. 

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Canning Town South Canvass with Lyn Brown MP

 

On Saturday I went canvassing in Canning Town South ward with our local MP, Lyn Brown and Unmesh Desai, our local London Assembly member and Councillors Rohit Das Gupta and Alan Griffiths.  

The ward has been transformed in recent times by the building of so many blocks of flats. However, there are still many traditional low rise homes such as Jude Street. I always enjoy knocking on doors and talking to people. 

We did get an ear bashing from one resident about the failure to deal with damage done by tree roots to pavements and driveways but there was clearly a problem. Apart from that, it was a very successful canvass (also no rain!) which was followed by coffee and chinwag. 

Great to see new faces on the campaign trail. 

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Newham Street Count: 17.11.22

 

Picture is of local volunteers, Council officers and Councillors about to go out at midnight on Thursday to take our part in the UK annual nationwide street count of people sleeping rough. We also had observers to verify our results from the civil service and academia. 

While this national survey takes place once a year, in Newham, we also carry out mini surveys every 2 months. 

This time I was a driver/lead of a team of 3, with Tim who is a volunteer from the "NewDay" project and Burt, who is a senior lecturer in the London School of Economics. 

We went to a Newham postcode and local park that I have been to on previous counts many times. Despite the recent awful wet and rainy weather, we found 4 people sleeping on the streets in a doorway. 3 of whom were still awake and content to speak to us about their situation and what help they need. We took details which we passed on at the end of the count to enable outreach workers to go out and speak to them that morning (their shift started at 5.30am). 

I don't know what the other teams found but the local and national results will be published soon. 

Many, many thanks to Council manager Ajitha and her team for their hard work and commitment.  

Thursday, November 17, 2022

"An Avoidable Death"

 

The death of  this tiny toddler is shocking but this account by housing lawyer, Giles Peaker, should make very uncomfortable reading for all housing staff and Councillors. 

"Every death was avoidable" said Richard Millett KC at the closing submission to the Grenfell Inquiry. Now we know from the inquest verdict into the death of two year old Awaab Ishak's that this death was also thoroughly avoidable,and we know the catalogue of failures that caused the tragedy.

Awaab died from a respiratory condition caused by exposure to mould in his home, the Coroner found. The landlord, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, had been getting complaints of mould in the flat from the family since 2017, but no action had been taken, even after a pre-action letter, nor after reports from a health visitor and early years worker of the conditions in the flat and the risk to Awaab's health. 

 

The Coroner was clear, and we should be too, that the landlord's failure to meet its obligations under section 9A Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended by Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018) led to the death of this child.

 

The Coroner was also clear that the property had inadequate or non functioning ventilation, such that normal use produced significant condensation and mould growth. (We'll come back to tenant use below).

 

I am not going to set out the full litany of failings. The Manchester Evening News has done an excellent job of reporting those here. But there are some things I want to pick out in particular, as being common failings across the social housing (and indeed private) sector. There are also some issues about some tenant claimant solicitors' practices that need to be raised, because they also played a secondary part.

 

The following might get intemperate at times. If it does, I apologise, but I am very, very angry.

 

Landlord's first reaction to a report of mould. A housing officer

 

told Mr Abdullah he 'would have to paint over it' - but he never said to use specialist anti-mould paint, or gave any other advice.

 

A standard response at a time when the landlord had no legal liability for condensation related mould. Naturally, the mould returned a year later in 2018, but further complaints produced no action. I am only surprised that the family were not told to 'open a window and keep the heating on'.

 

The there was RBH approach to reports and complaints. There were several different computer systems, and the one CRM system that everybody was supposed to be using wasn't being used by everybody. The health visitor's letter wasn't on that system and other officers were unaware that Awaab even lived at the flat, including Mark Wrigley, the disrepair manager. This will be familiar to all those acting for tenants. The systems and training of the landlord's staff are simply inadequate. There is no proper system for response, monitoring and checking.

 

In 2020, the family contacted a claims farmer through a Facebook ad. They were passed to Anthony Hodari Solicitors, who sent a pre action protocol letter in June 2020. When RBH's officer, Mark Wrigley, inspected in July 2020. (This was after Fitness for Human Habitation came into force for this tenancy in March 2020, and RBH had had 15 months notice that this would be the case). He concluded the problem was 'lifestyle issues'. Wait for it...

 

Cooking and bathing were believed to be adding to moisture in the property by RBH - including claims that 'ritual bathing' involving a 'bucket' was taking place, although the court heard workers never asked the family about this directly, while Mr Abdullah insisted it did not take place.

 

Oh, for heaven's sake, that tired racist allegation. It gets trotted out with pretty much every complaint of damp, or raised as an accusation where there is a leak into the flat below, where the tenant is African. Here, apparently, concluded as being a cause without even asking the tenant. Housing officers have to stop with the racist assumptions, they really, really do.

 

(Again, remember that things like cooking and washing are the kind of things that people reasonably expect to be able to do in their homes without being accused of being at fault. And the property was belatedly found to have inadequate ventilation, such that normal use would produce the condensation and mould).

 

So, the housing conditions pre-action protocol is apparently underway. What does RBH do about remedying the defects?

 

Nothing.

 

In 2020, RBH had a policy not to carry out remedial works on properties which were subject to legal claims, until they had secured agreement to the works from the tenant's solicitor. It meant that Mr Wrigley visited Awaab's home on July 14, 2020, to draw up a list of repairs that needed carrying out, but the work could not take place until the green light had been given by Anthony Hodari.

 

*Deep breath*. Who came up with this 'policy'? It is a nonsense, and harmful for both the tenant and the landlord. There is no, zero, nada requirement in the pre-action protocol for the landlord to hold off on works until they are agreed. From the landlord's position, it actually makes sense to do the bloody works as quickly as possible, both to minimise the damages period, and to reduce the chances of the claim actually being issued, because it would quite possibly be a damages only small claim, so saving both ongoing damages and legal costs. It also makes sense for a landlord that actually, hypothetically, putatively cares about its tenants' living conditions to sort things out as quickly as possible.

 

Sure, there might be arguments over elements of works later on, but that is a much smaller problem.

 

So, legally and objectively, this is a damn stupid policy, and one that would have the potential (as terribly played out here) to cause harm. Any other landlord having a similar policy should reconsider it immediately (and get proper legal advice).

 

Now, I am well aware that some tenant claimant acting firms routinely try to insist to landlords that no repairs should be carried out without their agreement, and some firms even advise tenant clients to refuse access to the landlord at least until there has been an expert inspection. (NB for clarity, I have no idea if the firm involved in this case, Anthony Hodari Solicitors, do or did this, so this is not a specific accusation.)

 

Any firm that does this is engaging in poor practice. There is, again, no legal basis for this. Moreover, it creates a significant risk of reducing claimable damages for the tenant client, as i) the landlord can raise refused/delayed access, and ii) delaying works casts a negative light on how serious the impact of the defects is on the tenant if they are prepared to delay.

 

In view of this, I would go so far as to say such advice and approach could be conduct bordering on negligence.

 

If there is a risk of works being done before an inspection, then the time to instruct an expert can be curtailed under the protocol in order to preserve evidence, after all.

 

Then, if the firm has such a practice of delaying access and insisting works must be agreed, it cannot be a general one. It ought to be quite rapidly apparent in a situation like this one that an interim injunction should be considered, at least to remove the immediate risk. Here, there was the health visitor's letter/report to that effect.

 

But turning back to this case, it then turns out that Anthony Hodari Solicitors dropped the case in September 2020. We don't know why, so I won't speculate. It looks like a clear cut fitness for human habitation claim, albeit with at that time very limited damages (from March 2020 only), but there can be many reasons why a claim doesn't proceed. However, Hodari didn't tell RBH that they weren't acting any more at the time. RBH apparently continued on the basis of their (wholly misguided) policy that they wouldn't do any works until agreed with the claimant's solicitor, without knowing that the solicitors weren't acting.

 

This was apparently a policy of Hodari not to say when they stopped acting.

 

Stephen Lund, director at Anthony Hodari, told the inquest the firm had in fact dropped the case in September 2020, weeks before Awaab died. Mr Lund explained the firm has its own policy not to inform housing associations when cases are dropped to avoid prejudicing other legal action involving the tenant.

 

This completely mystifies me. Simply informing the landlord that you are no longer instructed can't prejudice other legal action. It also leaves a continuing obligation on the (ex)claimant solicitor to pass on communication from the landlord to the former client, which is a waste of everyone's time. I hope that policy is changed, because in this case, it appears to have a factor in further delay (albeit primarily due to the landlord's misguided policy).

 

There were partial works in November 2020, but by December 2020, Awaab was dead. More ventilation works have since been carried out.

 

Postscript

 

As Karen Buck MP put it on twitter this evening

 

When @justinbates28 @nearlylegal and I got the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act through in 2018 we knew we needed more: investment in social housing, enforcement capacity, legal help and an end to victim blaming. But how-how!- could anyone ignore conditions like these?

 

It is a cause for rage and despair that even after Fitness for Human Habitation came into force for existing tenancies on 20 March 2020 (and after landlords, including social landlords, having had effectively two years warning about what it meant), a social landlord failed to respond to complaints of dire conditions, blamed the tenant (with racist stereotyping thrown in) and then adopted a catastrophically stupid approach to legal cases - which it had to admit had no legal basis in the inquest - while leaving the tenant and family in conditions even the landlord's own surveyor came to categorise as unfit for habitation.

 

Perhaps the tenant should have turned the heating on and opened a window.

 

That the landlord was so organisationally incompetent that some key officers weren't aware of there being a family in the property, despite it being known to the landlord, or unaware of the health concerns about the child being raised with the landlord by health workers, is sadly not a surprise in the slightest.

 

The same mess lies behind every social landlord refrain of 'this was a regrettable one off incident that slipped through our system. We are learning lessons.' (Predictably RBH are 'learning hard lessons'. There is no evidence of any of the 'lesson learners' yet passing post lesson exams.)

 

But I am so tired of the excuses and the 'we are so sorry we fell below our usual high standards on this occasion' nonsense. There are hundreds of thousands of rented homes in England with severe condensation damp and mould problems. Double that with other damp issues. Landlords, the time has come to finally stop being crap at this, You are, awfully and tragically, killing people.

 

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Mining and Human Rights: LAPFF Chair Returns from Brazil Tailings Dam Trip


Check out this press release by the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (I am Joint Vice Chair) on the recent visit by our Chair to Brazil. Many thanks to Doug and our engagement partners, PIRC, for all their work during this important visit. 

Some Progress Noted but Lots of Work Still to Do

"LAPFF Chair, Cllr Doug McMurdo, returned from Brazil recently where he spent three weeks investigating the progress of reparations following tailings dam collapses in Mariana (2015) and Brumadinho (2019). This trip was part of LAPFF’s broader work on mining and human rights. The context for the trip is available in the mining and human rights report LAPFF published in April 2022.  The motivation for the trip reflects LAPFF’s view that social and environmental impacts by investee companies are financially material for investors.

During his trip, Cllr McMurdo met with communities affected by the 2015 Mariana and 2019 Brumadinho dam collapses. BHP and Vale own the Mariana Fundão dam through their joint venture operator, Samarco. Vale owns the Córrego do Feijão dam that collapsed in Brumadinho. Water quality and delays in house building in Mariana are the two major concerns cited by affected community members with whom LAPFF spoke.

After meeting with affected community members, Cllr McMurdo spent two days with the Chair of Vale and senior executives from the company. LAPFF extended an invitation to meet a BHP representative during Cllr McMurdo’s trip, but the invitation was declined by the company.

At the end of the trip, Cllr McMurdo met with a number of Brazilian investors led by ESG-focused asset manager, JGP Asset Management, with whom LAPFF has been partnering on this project for a couple of years. Collectively, the investor group worked with senior executives of Vale to set in motion a process to increase the pace and quality of reparations following the tailings dam collapses.

Quote from LAPFF Chair: “It is clear that Vale has taken steps to improve its corporate culture and its dam safety practices. LAPFF’s objective is to be a critical friend to the company in fostering better and faster delivery of required reparations and dam safety measures.”

The largest impediment to completing reparations in Mariana quickly enough and to an adequate standard appears to be the Renova Foundation. Vale, BHP, and Samarco – but no affected community members – sit on the board of this organisation which was established to provide reparations following the Mariana tailings dam collapse in November 2015. The Foundation has an overly complex structure, similar to that of a joint venture, and does not have adequate independence in its governance. Both shortcomings have led to poor and drawn-out execution of reparations.

Quote from JGP Asset Management: “Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time and avoid the two disasters that Vale was involved in. However, Vale can act today to become the reference point for an ESG standard in mining, a critical industry for the global energy transition. As investors, we keep engaged with the company on several fronts, but especially in corporate governance and relations with the communities where Vale has operations.”

Quote from Vale: “Vale is enhancing its dialogue and engagement with shareholders, communities and society, in order to act in greater alignment with their expectations. I was pleased to personally welcome LAPFF’s representatives in Brazil and to show Vale’s efforts on reparations initiatives and dam safety. I want to thank LAPFF for its feedback and I would like to renew our commitment to building a better company. It is a long way to travel and we will continue to act attentively in making Vale one of the safest and most reliable mining companies in the world.”

 

Sunday, November 13, 2022

West Ham Remembrance Sunday & When the Guns Fell Silent


This morning I attended the Remembrance Day service at All Saints Church in West Ham, the ward I have represented as a Councillor since 2010. It was a marvellous and moving service, attended by our local MP, Lyn Brown, our local British Army TA unit, G Company 7 Rifles, Metropolitan Police, Parishioners, Royal British Legion and my Newham Council Councillor colleagues. 

Many thanks to Revd. Simon Nicholls (and his "West Ham team") for the service. I was particularly struck by the playing during the service of the above audio soundtrack of an authentic recreation of the actual end of the First World War at 11am on 11th November 1918. The artillery shells stop - and the birds start singing. 



Saturday, November 12, 2022

White Notley and Cressing Walk

 It has been a while since I have been for (or posted) a country walk for various reasons. Today Gill and I took advantage of a dry and warmish weather forecast to go for this 7.5 mile circular walk in Essex. A map and description is in this Essex Walks Pathfinder booklet. You can also access the walk online if you subscribe to the Ordnance Survey app (which is largely brilliant but not perfect. £4.99 pm or less for an annual payment)

It was rather flat and cloudy (so no big Essex skies) but nice to get out in the countryside, enjoy the fresh air and the relative solitude. There is a longer version of the walk which includes a visit to the historic Cressing temple which we didn't have time for today.  

Check out further pictures and comments on this walk via my Facebook page.

Friday, November 11, 2022

Armistice Day - Newham Central Park Cenotaph 2022 (and searching for Alf Wells, Clarion Cycles, KIA 1914)

 

This morning I attended yet another very moving Armistice Day memorial at the Cenotaph in Central Park. As well as the usual suspects (myself included) there was I think around 200 children from local schools gathered around Cenotaph, many of whom actively participated in the ceremony. 

At the end I searched the Cenotaph for mention of Alf Wells, who was a member of the local branch of the Clarion Cycles Club, who was killed in action in 1914. This was for a UNISON colleague interested in Labour history.  There was 2 surnames with Wells on the cenotaph but no one with an initial with "A". However, "Alf" could have been a nickname or even a middle name. I will continue to search for Alf.

Many thanks to the Royal British Legion, the local Newham Schools , their staff and especially historian, Lee Skeggs, for making this such a special and important event. 



Wednesday, November 09, 2022

UNISON Labour Link Parliamentary Reception for London Councillors hosted by David Lammy MP

 

Picture collage from last weeks reception in the Jubilee Room in Westminster Hall. Many, many thanks to Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP and his staff for hosting this event and for David giving a passionate speech and Parliamentary report to UNISON members present, who are elected Councillors from all over London.

As Chair of Greater UNISON Labour Link Committee (and on behalf of our wonderful Vice Chair, Yvonne Green) , I welcomed and introduced speakers. After David gave his keynote speech, our new(ish) UNISON Regional Secretary, Jo Galloway, gave a cracking overview of politics and the union in London. Especially all the campaigns that should unite us, about tackling low pay, health and safety and training. 

Next was our also new(ish),  Political Secretary and UNISON Regional officer, Joel Bodmer. He laid out specific asks of Councillors regarding adopting our UNISON Ethical Care charter and Residential Care charter. 

UNISON National officer, Gavin Edwards, also spoke about our Social Care campaigns and what Councillors can do to support some of the most vulnerable workers in Local Government. 

Afterwards  there was a chance to take some photos and have a chat and gossip in the finest traditions of UNISON and Local Government. 

Due to Data Protection issues we cannot match UNISON members against Labour Party membership lists, so apologies that the invite to this event was a bit hit and miss. This will be the first of many events and all invitees will also be contacted with dates of campaign sessions to support UNISON nominated Prospective Parliamentary Candidates. 

Watch this space.